The 24-year-old was left out of the United starting XI for their opening-day victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, and that has fuelled speculation that a move to the Santiago Bernabeu was at an advanced stage [Daily Mail]. The stopper was not even among the substitutes, despite reports [via Express Sport] that he declared himself ready to play.

Red Devils manager Louis van Gaal responded to the rumours by insisting Los Blancos will not be able to sign the goalkeeper cheaply this summer [via Guardian Sport], and that threw De Gea’s potential transfer into further doubt as the Spanish outfit appear reluctant to meet his reported £35 million valuation [via Mail Sport].

However, fresh reports in Spanish media outlet ABC [via Metro Sport] claim Madrid are prepared to offer £17.7 million for the former Atletico stopper, and will indicate to United that they must accept that bid or risk losing the player for free next summer.

Another possible deal could see Keylor Navas included as makeweight in a part-player exchange in order to finally secure De Gea’s signature, but that option appears unlikely as the Red Devils have reportedly earmarked Ajax’s Jasper Cillessen as their preferred choice to fill the void if their current number one does depart Old Trafford before the transfer window closes next month [via Mail Sport].